The kids will be alright when it comes to raising money for charity in Leeds this summer.

Hundreds of children are set to take part in the Arena Group Leeds Mini and Junior Run at Leeds Dock on Saturday, July 11.

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Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the popular annual event is free to enter and open to youngsters of all abilities aged from three to 14.

They will be encouraged to raise funds for good causes, including the race’s official partner charity, Sunshine and Smiles.

Established in 2011, Sunshine and Smiles is a Leeds-based network offering support to young people who have Down syndrome.

And, speaking before an official launch celebration at Leeds Dock today, Arena Group managing director Adrian Fitzpatrick hailed the race as a “win-win”.

Mr Fitzpatrick, whose firm has sponsored the run since 2010, said: “We are proud to continue to support an event that encourages youngsters not only to be active but also to help worthy causes – it really is a win-win situation. Good luck to all those taking part.”

Ailith Harley-Roberts, from Sunshine and Smiles, said: “Many of our families and children have run the races before but this year it will be extra special knowing we are running together to raise more awareness about Down syndrome and the work our charity does.”

The 1.5km mini run is for children aged three to eight.

The junior run, for youngsters aged nine to 14, covers a distance of 2.5km.

They will both be part of what promises to be a truly memorable weekend for fundraising in the city as they are followed on Sunday, July 12, by the Asda Foundation Leeds 10K, also organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All.

For further information, visit www.runforall.com.

Jane Tomlinson, a mum of three from Rothwell, raised £1.8m with a series of endurance challenges – including a 4,200-mile bike ride across America – before her death from cancer aged 43 in 2007.

Events such as the Leeds 10K, the Leeds Half Marathon and the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon continue to be held in her memory and in February it was announced that the amount raised by the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and its partner charities had topped £7.5m.